The Isle of Wight Council is working in partnership with Ryde Development Trust (RDT) to drive forward proposals to develop a Carnival Centre for the Island – a scheme believed to be the first of its kind in
the country.

The Board of Ryde Development Trust put back a decision on the proposed surrender of part of its short-term lease on the Old Post Office building in Ryde so that discussions on the implications of the move for the council’s proposed Carnival Learning Centre could take place.

This meeting on Thursday 14th September involved representatives from the council’s cultural and leisure services and property management group and resulted in a commitment to future partnership working.

Following the meeting, further discussion by the Trust Board resulted in a unanimous decision to proceed with the surrender of that part of the Trust’s lease relating to the former Isle of Wight Pearl shop area and a portion of the Old Post Office sorting hall.

The Board’s decision secured RDT’s ability to continue its community support work but meant that the funding bid to develop the Carnival Learning Centre at the Old Post Office sorting hall was no longer possible.

Plans to develop a Carnival Learning Centre are still continuing, with negotiations already under way to secure an alternative site.

The council continues to be committed to securing the centre for Carnival in Ryde and the Island as a whole. RDT will continue to support carnival arts, which have spearheaded the regeneration of Ryde and promoted community development.

Sian Kirk, Chair of RDT’s Board of Trustees, said:

“The business case for surrender of the lease was very strong and has resulted in an immediate, substantial reduction in running costs for the Trust which operates with limited resources, its SRB 6 regeneration
funding having ended in March 2005 a year ahead of the original lifespan of the programme.

“Surrender of this part of the Trust’s lease enabled the sale of this part of the building by its owner to another local businessman. The result will be refurbishment of the frontage of this prominent building, return to use of the shop area and creation of employment

“Compensation paid by the purchaser to RDT for surrender of this part of its short-term lease has also enabled the Trust to continue its work on behalf of Ryde and to look to the future.

Options for the use of the remaining, substantial area – leased by the Trust at Old Post Office -including possible carnival arts learning space, are being considered in detail.

“A strong Trust enables continuation of other partnerships which are essential to the ongoing development of Ryde.”

Councillor Tim Hunter-Henderson, Cabinet member for the Economy, the Customer, Communications, Leisure and Tourism, said:”

Although we are disappointed that the first location for the Carnival Centre is no longer possible, we are committed to finding an alternative in Ryde which will not only benefit the town but the whole Island.

The Isle of Wight is now recognised nationally and internationally for our work on carnivals and a Carnival Centre is crucial to our plans to further develop our prominence in this field.”

Above statement on the future of Carnival Centre, was issued jointly by Ryde Development Trust and the Isle of Wight Council: 21/09/2006
www.rydedevelopmenttrust.org